SCURCA Research Assistant #14-146

SCURCA Research Assistant #14-146

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Merrimack College is seeking three motivated undergraduate students to join a pilot research project investigating the preservation of fat-free mass (FFM) in individuals using GLP-1RA medications. This position offers hands-on clinical research experience in exercise science, nutrition, and human physiological measurement within CHAMP (Center for Health Advancement, Movement and Performance).

Responsibilities:

The scope of work is divided into specialized roles. Depending on the assigned role, responsibilities include:

• Leading the structured bodyweight resistance training sessions or delivering the nutrition education portion of the program
• Conducting primary and secondary outcome assessments, including BodPod analysis for body composition, metabolic cart testing for Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), handgrip dynamometry, waist circumference and dietary intake
• Monitoring and documenting participant attendance and adherence to the exercise and nutrition protocols

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate student in Exercise Science, Health Sciences, Nutrition, Athletic Training, or a related field
• Comfortable working directly with human participants in a clinical or laboratory setting
• Willingness to complete CITI IRB training for ethical research conduct
• Strong attention to detail in data collection and record-keeping
• Commitment to the Summer 2026 term, roughly 10 hours per week, with the potential to extend through the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
• Availability to work closely with the PI and the research team and to attend regular lab meetings

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in the physiological impacts of GLP-1RA medications and body composition
• Experience with (or desire to learn) specialized equipment like the BodPod, Metabolic Cart, or Handgrip Dynamometer
• Bilingual in Spanish highly desirable, but not required

Training and Dissemination:

Training will be provided for all measurement equipment and intervention protocols. Students may have the opportunity to co-author peer-reviewed publications and present findings at conferences, including the Merrimack College Research and Creative Achievement Conference.